1st part of lecture- Memory (psy 301)

Introduction to the Importance of Memories

• An offer of a magical vacation where all expenses are paid is used to illustrate the value of memories.

• Questions raised about the worth of such an experience if there’s no memory of it afterward.

• Highlights the importance of memories in shaping our identity and sense of self.

The Concept of Memory

• Real-life implications of memory loss: The example of blackout drinking, leading to a disconnect from one’s own experiences.

• Amnestic Effects in Medical Procedures: Discussion of twilight birth in the 1950s, where pain relief was inadequate but aimed to make mothers forget childbirth.

• Memory and Pain: Exploring how memories affect our willingness to endure pain; forgetting can make painful experiences seem more tolerable.

Memory Demonstration

• Initiation of a simple memory test during a class about how memory functions.

• Survey conducted on stop sign attributes:

  • Confusion among students about the number of sides on a stop sign despite frequent exposure.

  • Results show a variety of answers, demonstrating the unreliability of memory.

Examination of Memory Errors

• The correct attributes of a stop sign, which is red with eight sides, were compared to students’ responses.

• Additional investigation into yield sign color led to further misunderstanding:

  • Majority incorrectly remembered yield signs as yellow, showing how prior knowledge and context can interfere with memory.

Memory as an Active Process

• Memory is not like a recording device; it involves construction or reconstruction of experiences.

• Components of Memory:

  • Encoding: Process of converting external information into a format usable by the brain (similar to digitalizing photos).

  • Storage: Information must be saved somewhere in the brain; the hippocampus is crucial for this.

  • Retrieval: Accessing stored memories and bringing them into conscious awareness is affected by cues.

Mechanisms of Retrieval

• Retrieval Cues: Various cues can trigger memory recall, including verbal hints and sensory experiences like smell or music.

• Example given about a smell reminiscent of college days triggering a flood of memories.

• Forgetting: Can occur due to a failure in encoding, storage, or retrieval processes.

First Memories and Early Development

• Discussion on the first memories shared by class members and commonalities in responses.

• Research indicates most people remember their first memory around three to four years old.

• Memory Formation in Childhood: Early memories may not be stored due to an immature hippocampus; some may never be retrieved due to lack of verbalization at a young age.

Emotional Impact on Memory

• Positive emotions are prevalent in early memories, correlating to how impactful memories affect survival and behavior.

• Evolutionary perspective: Memories of significant events help guide future behavior and reactions.

• Example shared about a fearful memory of a family member leaving, illustrating this point.

Types of Memory

• Classification of memory into sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory, noting how information is filtered through these stages.